ORANGE CITY, Iowa – MBU Men's Soccer fell 3-0 to Northwestern College (Iowa) in its season opener on Saturday afternoon. The Spartans will have a quick turnaround with their next match coming Monday against Dordt (Iowa).
 
After a sluggish start by both teams, Northwestern capitalized on an MBU defensive mistake in the 25^th minute for the opening goal. The lead doubled in the 33^rd minute. The Spartans struggled to get the offense into gear in the first 45 and went into halftime down 2-0.
 
They would manage four shots on goal in the second half but never really threatened the Northwestern goal. The Red Raiders added a third tally in the 53^rd to put the match out of reach. The final shot on goal count favored the home side 19-12.
 
"The boys tried hard under difficult circumstances," noted Head Coach Jake Alvernia. "We'll learn from our mistakes and use this as a chance to improve on Monday. Credit to Northwestern for bringing great energy to the game and finishing their chances."
 
The Spartans will run it back in less than 48 hours with a Labor Day noon kickoff against Dordt in Sioux Center, Iowa.